Finding high-quality dancewear in New Zealand that holds up to long rehearsals, looks polished in the studio, and actually fits the way a dancer needs it to can feel like a real task. That's where Total Dance comes in. As Australia's home of premium dancewear, Total Dance ships tracked to New Zealand shoppers in 5 to 10 business days from our Melbourne warehouse, with free shipping on orders over NZ$140. Whether you're a contemporary student looking for the right pants for floor work, or a jazz dancer hunting for a flattering crop top, this guide is here to help you choose with confidence.
If you're new to the Elevé label or exploring it for the first time, you're in good company. Elevé is known for thoughtfully designed dance clothing that balances aesthetic appeal with real functionality. Pieces are cut for movement, made from fabrics that stretch and recover well, and styled in a way that works both in class and on stage. Below, we compare some of the standout Elevé pieces available through Total Dance so you can make the best choice for your dance style, body type, and budget.
Before you shop, it's also worth reading our broader guide to choosing the right premium dancewear pieces for your dance style, which covers fit, fabric, and label advice across multiple genres. And if you're navigating dancewear choices during your cycle, our article on comfortable dance clothes for your period has practical advice specific to NZ dancers too.
What to Look for in Premium Dance Pants, Tops and Skirts
Before comparing specific pieces, it helps to know what separates well-made dancewear from fast-fashion alternatives. Here are the buying criteria worth considering when shopping Elevé or any premium label.
Fabric Quality and Stretch Recovery
The best dance fabrics stretch fully in all directions and spring back to their original shape after repeated movement. Poor recovery leads to sagging, bagging at the knees, and garments that look tired after a few washes. Look for a high percentage of Lycra or spandex blended with nylon or polyester for long-lasting performance. Elevé uses performance-grade fabrics designed to move with the dancer rather than resist them.
Cut and Construction for Your Genre
A contemporary dancer has very different needs from a tap or jazz dancer. Wide-leg and flared silhouettes suit lyrical and contemporary movement, while fitted crops and briefs work better for jazz and ballet. Check waistband placement too. High-waisted styles offer core support and stay put during inversions, whereas a mid-rise sits better under a costume. Seam placement matters as well; flatlock stitching lies flat against the skin and reduces irritation during floor work.
Fit Across Size Ranges
Premium dancewear labels like Elevé tend to size consistently, but it's always worth checking the size guide before ordering, particularly for younger dancers who may sit between sizes. When in doubt, size up for skirts and pants to allow for growth, and size true-to-fit for crop tops and briefs where a snug fit is functional.
Versatility and Value
A piece that works across multiple classes, looks great in rehearsal photos, and washes and wears well over a full dance year represents genuine value, even at a higher price point. Consider cost-per-wear rather than sticker price. A NZ$60 crop top worn three times a week across a dance year is far better value than a NZ$25 piece that pills after a month.
Comparing Key Elevé Pieces Available Through Total Dance NZ
Here's a closer look at four standout pieces from the Elevé range, with practical notes on who each one suits best.
A-Line Mesh Pants: Black Wide Leg Contemporary Dance Pants
The A-Line Mesh Pants - Black Wide Leg Contemporary Dance Pants are a favourite for contemporary and lyrical students who want drama and ease of movement in equal measure. The wide-leg silhouette creates beautiful lines in performance and allows full extension without restriction. The mesh fabric adds visual lightness while still providing coverage, making these an excellent choice for students who perform in low-lit or stage settings where a solid fabric might read as heavy.
These pants work particularly well paired with a simple fitted crop, letting the pants carry the visual interest. They're also practical for class because they move well during floor sequences and don't bunch at the ankle. If you're between sizes, go with your usual size as the wide leg allows comfortable room without adding bulk through the hip.
Best for: Contemporary, lyrical, and open-genre classes. Eisteddfod and performance use.
Hawaii Floral Dance Crop Top
The Hawaii Floral Dance Crop Top brings colour and personality to the studio without sacrificing function. The floral print is vibrant but not overwhelming, making it versatile enough for class and casual wear. The crop length sits well above the natural waist on most dancers, which means it pairs cleanly with high-waisted pants or briefs without creating a visual break in the line.
If your dancer attends a studio with a relaxed uniform policy or you're buying for freestyle and open classes, a printed crop like this adds variety to the rotation without requiring a whole new outfit. The fabric is soft, stretchy, and maintains its shape well through repeated washing, which matters when dancewear goes through the laundry multiple times a week.
Best for: Jazz, contemporary, and open-genre classes. Studios with flexible uniform policies.
High Waistline Dance Brief: Dancing Cranes Print
The High Waistline Dance Brief - Dancing Cranes Print is a smart choice for dancers who want the security of a brief with a little more style than a plain black option. The dancing cranes print is elegant and restrained, which means it reads well under sheer costumes and pairs easily with both printed and block-colour tops. The high waistline is the key functional feature here. It provides core support, reduces the chance of the brief slipping during high kicks or jumps, and creates a smooth, elongated line through the torso.
High-waisted briefs like this one are particularly useful for ballet and jazz students who wear them under skirts or costumes, as the longer waistband means there's no unsightly gap between brief and top when the dancer raises their arms or extends through the side body.
Best for: Ballet, jazz, and any style where the brief is worn under a costume or skirt.
Luna Pull On Dance Skirt
The Luna Pull On Dance Skirt is one of those pieces that earns its place in the dancewear drawer quickly. The pull-on waistband means no fussing with ties or zips, which is a genuine time-saver during quick changes. The skirt silhouette is flattering across a range of body shapes and sits well at the waist without rolling or twisting during movement.
For younger dancers especially, the simplicity of a pull-on waistband builds independence and confidence getting dressed before class. For adult dancers, it's a practical, polished option that translates easily from studio to a casual outing after class. Pair it with the Hawaii Floral Dance Crop Top for a coordinated look, or keep it neutral with a classic black crop for a more understated studio outfit.
Best for: Ballet, lyrical, and contemporary. All ages from young students to adults.
Shopping Elevé Dancewear in NZ: Pricing, Shipping and What to Expect
Total Dance ships all orders to New Zealand tracked from our Melbourne warehouse. Delivery typically takes 5 to 10 business days, so it's worth ordering ahead of exam or eisteddfod season to avoid any last-minute stress. Free shipping applies to all New Zealand orders over NZ$140, which makes it easy to bundle a few pieces and save on postage.
NZD pricing is displayed at checkout, so there are no surprise conversions. If you're building a dancewear wardrobe from scratch or replacing several pieces at once, bundling items like the Luna Pull On Dance Skirt with the High Waistline Dance Brief and a crop top is a practical way to reach the free shipping threshold while keeping the overall spend reasonable.
You can browse the full range of options across all styles and genres in our premium dancewear collection, which includes Elevé alongside other trusted labels stocked by Total Dance.
One more tip for NZ shoppers: check the size guide for each garment before ordering, as sizing can vary slightly between pieces even within the same label. If you're unsure between two sizes, the product description notes will usually recommend whether a piece runs small or large.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Total Dance ship Elevé dancewear to New Zealand?
Yes. Total Dance ships to New Zealand from our Melbourne warehouse with tracking included. Orders typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days. Free shipping applies to NZ orders over NZ$140.
How do I know which size to choose in Elevé dancewear?
Always check the size guide listed on the product page before ordering. Elevé generally sizes consistently, but fit can vary between styles. For dance pants and skirts, sizing up slightly allows room for growth. For crop tops and briefs, a true-to-size fit is usually best for function and support.
Can I wear Elevé dance tops and skirts for multiple dance styles?
Many Elevé pieces are designed with versatility in mind. The Luna Pull On Dance Skirt, for example, suits ballet, lyrical, and contemporary equally well. The Hawaii Floral Dance Crop Top works across jazz, contemporary, and open-genre classes. If your dancer attends multiple styles, choosing neutral or complementary pieces makes it easy to mix and match.
Is Elevé dancewear worth the price compared to budget alternatives?
For dancers who train regularly, a premium dancewear piece typically offers better value over time than a cheaper alternative. Higher-quality fabrics hold their shape and colour through repeated washing, and better construction means seams don't split or stretch out during movement. For a dancer in class three or more times a week, the cost-per-wear of a well-made piece is often lower than it first appears.
